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If you’re looking into getting a new dog for the family, why not opt for a cross between a Patterdale and a Border Terrier? Here is all that you need to know about the two breeds and what to expect when you get a Patterdale X Border Terrier or Borderdale!
Patterdale Terrier
The Patterdale Terrier is a breed that descends from the terriers of the 18th century. Despite being a terrier, a breed known for being ‘yappy’, Patterdales are significantly less ‘yappy’ than other terriers.
They have short legs and quite a strong looking snout with triangular ears that hang down. Their tails tend to be docked, meaning that they are cut in order to avoid injury when the dog is hunting. The dog’s coat tends to be black with sometimes white markings on the chest and feet. However, it is not uncommon to see Patterdale Terriers in a range of other colours such as chocolate, and bronze. The fur is either smooth or rough.
The personality traits of a Patterdale Terrier include being bold and confident. They are more of a working dog which is not uncommon among terriers, known for their ability to search for prey with their energetic nature and determination. They are extremely high energy animals that can be difficult to socialise with other dogs for this reason.
They were originally bred to be energetic and to pursue prey, however because of this it makes them rather too energetic for an ordinary household. This makes the breed particularly popular amongst farming households. They are often used to guard sheep and other livestock from foxes and other animals. Making them good hunters as well. However, due to this instinct, it does add to their difficulty in socialising as anything smaller than them they often see as prey. They can be known for being aggressive and stubborn, so when owning one, it is important to show them early on who is boss and to socialise them.
Border Terrier
Border Terriers originated at the border between England and Scotland, and they are closely related to Patterdale Terriers. They are one of the oldest breeds that are still around today, dating back to the 1800s’. They were actually bred to be tough, brave, and to have plenty of stamina, so keep that in mind when buying a Patterdale and Border Terrier cross.
Border Terriers height at the shoulders is around ten to eleven inches and weigh between eleven and fifteen pounds. They are fairly small dogs and have a short and dense undercoat that is thick with wiry hair on top. They have many different colours including; blue, grizzle and tan, tan, and red. You may also get them in a light yellow colour. You will need to brush them weekly to keep them looking neat by removing dead hair.
A Border Terriers personality, like a Patterdale, is bold, confident, and energetic with a strong hunting instinct. Due to the dog’s energy, you will need to provide a Border Terrier with plenty of exercise each day in order to avoid obesity and destructive behaviour. Border Terriers are prone to obesity. Another thing to note is that they are not great to have around small animals such as hamsters, rabbits, and guinea pigs etc. This is due to their prey instinct. They are relatively good around strangers and children and are quite sociable dogs, but they do like to bark, although they aren’t yappy dogs. They are also friendly around other dogs and even cats if they are raised together. Border Terriers are also highly intelligent dogs, so games that keep them stimulated are a good idea, but also training them can keep them occupied too.
Patterdale X Border Terrier
When you mix the Patterdale Terrier and a Border Terrier, you get a dog that stands between 25-40 centimetres. The coat of the dog may vary in texture, but will be wiry and thick. The colour of Patterdale X Border Terriers varies including; black, red, tan, brown, and sometimes even brizzle and tan, likely amongst other possibilities. They have floppy ears, and a high-held tail.
Patterdales and Border Terriers are known for health conditions and therefore crossing a Patterdale Terrier with a Border Terrier may bring about a range of health issues including the problem of obesity.
The personality of Patterdale Terriers and Border Terriers is bold, confident, and active. They are energetic dogs that require an active family. They are also incredibly intelligent dogs, so in order to keep them fulfilled mentally and physically, it is a good idea to train your dog. Socialising them with other dogs at an early age is also a good idea, but the Border Terrier part of the dog may make sure that your dog is sociable around other dogs.
This breed might be good for you if you are an active family who are looking for an energetic furry friend to keep you company.
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I looked after a Patterdale +border terrier and it attacked a small dog. I had to prize it jaws of the smaller dog. He stayed with someone else that weekend I wouldn’t have him in the house.
He left puncture marks on this, small dog.
The owner has apologised.
Subsequently the elderly lady whose dog was, attacked notified the police.
A week later the lady in question was out with her dog and border cross saw, and tried again to attack the owner hid behind the car!!!
She came to see me today told me and was having an anxiety attack she is phoning the police again today she is, frightened to go out she is 80.
Hope you get the jist of this what do you suggest I suggest the dog is muzzled.
The dog in question has not been socialised or trained!!!!
Sounds so awful, poor old lady. It’s always difficult to tell other people what to do with their dogs – they have to take responsibility and a dog should not be off lead or un-muzzled if aggressive. The thing is that a muzzle isn’t always a bad thing – it can be used with positive reinforcement training. Some aggressive dogs actually calm down wearing a muzzle and then become more trainable when they realise they cannot attack.
I used to have a Patterdale xBorder ,one of the best dogs I’ve ever had.
However he did have a couple of faults like running through the oil seed rape fields which used cut under his eyes.
He could also smell the scent of Hedge hogs and regularly dig them up when they were hibernating.
I had a border patterdale and he was wonderful. He was feisty but very loyal, and super intelligent. A wonderful guard dog, if sheep came onto the forecourt of our village shop he would chase them off, and once they were off his patch would come back to keep watch, but also very gentle… Every night he used to herd the chickens and chicks into their house.
He never cuddled up to the cats but there was mutual respect. He was caring towards baby kittens, although he killed one accidentally by picking it up 😪
He was friendly with people but not over the top, he never bit anyone, he did however, hate black dogs and was quite happy to attack them.
He loved playing basketball with my son and I had to replace a couple of footballs (from other kids that he took over ) – he had brilliant ball control, everyone was impressed.
Without a doubt he was the best dog I was ever lucky enough to have.
He was also a super fast runner – he took over from his mother to win the terrier races at the agricultural show – oh we were all so proud of our boy several years running 😁
I guess like any breed, they are all individuals. I would love to have another one but he/she might not be the same
In a nutshell, don’t knock them